Just keeps missing the mark-just

High hopes kept returning with every chapter's beginning.
Finally, a literary, lyrical ,contemporary novel that happens to be based in Australia.
But sadly, every emotion aroused by the writing- was doused.
The listener could not keep caring more than a fig for Ruth, Richard..heck, even a potential temper tantrum with the weak efforts of the sons, were finally just too difficult to rise to.
Round and round went the story, unable to sort itself out.

A valiant attempt to reflect the thought patterns of a deteriorating, aged mind.
But a fundamentally flawed and irritating novel.

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Good

This is a good novel but it's difficult to write a review about it without giving away too much. If you are tempted to listen to this audiobook (or read the novel), I advice you to avoid reading any detailed reviews! The narrative developed in a way I hadn't expected and I'm glad I didn't know what happens in advance.

The reading by Federay is superb.

The gentle pace lulled me into a false assumption about the central dilemma of the novel. I was getting bored and contemplated abandoning the audiobook, then, a subtle shift takes place ...

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A captivating story which draws you in!!!

What made the experience of listening to The Night Guest the most enjoyable?

The story was fascinating and brilliantly written.
I caught myself questioning myself what was suppose to be real in the story and what wasn't, but that's the point of this, without giving away any spoilers.
You really felt for the elderly lady being unable to tell at times what was and wasn't real and how this impacted on her life with with strange lady who comes to 'help'.
This is no ordinary story, but there is love and compassion mixed in with fear and fright experienced by the elderly lady.
This is such a beautiful story set by the sea in New Zealand, and I was transfixed by such a magnificent story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The last few chapters, where the author reals ALL, how the crime is committed and the consequences which happens.

What about Federay Holmes’s performance did you like?

The lady who read the story was absolutely fantastic. As she had a New Zealand accent too added to the whole picture and how the characters spoke.
This book was acted out so brilliantly, with all the characters having such different voices. She poured so much compassion and malice, jovial, care and love too.
Federay made this story feel real, and pulls at your heart strings, in her excellent portrayal of this story.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The very last moments of the elderly lady's life.

Any additional comments?

I would love to write exactly my heart felt feelings about this book/review but i found myself accidentally putting in spoilers, and I wouldn't want to do that and spoil the story!!!
It's a brilliant modern story and one adults would enjoy.

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1 person found this helpful

Brilliant!

Where does The Night Guest rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Ah that's a difficult one. But pretty high on originaltiy, and that seems hard these days.

What did you like best about this story?

The beautifully drawn, and totally believable characters of both Frida and and Ruth.
and the clarity of the writing. An unusual setting and neglected difficult subject matter, all turned into a master thriller.

Which character – as performed by Federay Holmes – was your favourite?

The book was read incredibly well by Federay Holmes. She really inhabited the personae of both Ruth and Frida, and dealt with the difficult passages of Ruth's fantasy thoughts with ease.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Go see Mum

Any additional comments?

Look forward to the next book by this author.

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High hopes, but didn't live up to expectation.

What was most disappointing about Fiona McFarlane’s story?

I was intrigued by what seemed, at first, to be quite an ambiguous genre, yet ultimately the story was nowhere near as clever as I was assuming it was. Very disappointing.

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Dull and obvious

This is a worthy but dreary story about an old lady and her 'strange' carer and I thought it had no real intrigue or credibility. I'm afraid I gave up and fast forwarded it to the end. My main regret is spending too long listening to this.

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3 people found this helpful